It is NOT the most wonderful time of the year.

SpinFreak13

What is it about the holidays that seem to bring the worst out in people?

What is it about the holidays that instills craziness, meanness and high drama in families? It's like battle of the matriarchs and all the little subgroups of the family...sister-in-laws v. each other, sister-in-laws v brohter-in-laws, mother-in-laws v daughter in laws...

Can't we all just get along?

Grrrr.

There has to be some psychological theory. Anyone care to collaborate? Any behavior experts, physiologists or psychotherapists out there that can explain this phenomenon?

DinaLINY

I couldn't agree more.

just the other day I was saying to DH and my co-workers how absolutely RUDE people are this time of year. and as if the drivers on Long Island weren't horrible enough throughout the year, they seem to be even worse now. so annoying.

Strunella

Here's my (unprofessional) take on it: throughout the year, it's easier to avoid family members who get on our nerves.  During the holidays, we are forced to be with them, often in tight quarters.  Too many people, differing traditions/opinions/personalities can make one wish one was going far, far away for the holidays!

hav2run

One word....commercialization.  If not for that, people would walk around in December remembering the reason for the season, and I think we would all agree that it is the kindest time of the year.  Greedy retailers have made it into this shopping frenzy, and that brings out the nasties in everyone.  I love my family, and a HUGE GTG would be awesome.  We have not had one since my mom died in 2004.

Honestly, I live in a low aggressive driver area.  I have heard more horns blaring on the roads in the past few days than I am comfortable with.  It almost scares me.  Seriously...a horn is aggressive here.  It's all the time right now.  I do not know what to do with that.  I go outside...I hear horns. I would rather hear peaceful silence, sleigh bells (wishful thinking), anything but a$$holes driving.